National and class myths in the modern Russian society: an aspect of confrontation (by a case study of the consciousness of football supporters)

The study describes the relationships between the national and class myths in the public consciousness from the standpoint of the key point that largely determines the integration at the macrosocial national level. The notions of class and national myths are clarified; the level of their opposition is revealed; this information is confirmed by the historical facts. The authors conduct an empirical research of the consciousness of football supporters, especially the attitude of Russian fans to the national football team. It is substantiated that national preferences of Russian football supporters are slightly dampened by the increasing class intentions. This trend is not regarded as a serious threat to the social and national consolidation. Nevertheless, it reduces the scope of national political ritual that does not benefit the center-oriented processes.